SNAFU in the DND and the Philippine Army for Scrapping its Shore Based Missile System Project for Helmets and Vests

In its previous blog entry dated 4 July 2015, MaxDefense provided its analysis on the Philippine Army's Shore Based Missile System (SBMS), which was for acquisition as an anti-ship, anti-amphibious assault tactical ballistc guided rocket system. This is in the face of aggressive moves by China on Philippine territory, EEZ, and interests in the West Philippine Sea. It also discussed, based on initial news report by The Standard, the realignment of the project's budget to instead fund the acquisition of several infantry-related equipment for internal security operations.

IMI Lynx with EXTRA and LAR-160.Photo taken from Jewsihbusinessnews.com

Previously MaxDefense concluded that either the Philippine Army proceed with the acquisition of the IMI's Coastal and Island Defense System (CIDS) for the Shore Based Missile System project, or if additional funding permits, revert to acquiring the more expensive but more capable anti-ship cruise missile based coastal defense system. MaxDefense also concluded then that considering the external threat the country faces, it would not be best to divert the funding for internal security operations related equipment.

The IMI Lynx self-propelled rocket/missile launcher system is an integral part of the Coastal and Island Defense System from IMI.

But just within this week, the earlier MaxDefense blog was overtaken by events and flooding of additional open information, thus the need to provide a new blog entry to further discuss the issue. We tried to conenct all the information already made available online and be as close as we can get to what probably happened.

Due to the sensitivity of the project, MaxDefense could only provide limited information.

The SBMS is based on Israel Military Industries' Coastal and Island Defense System (CIDS), with a project cost of Php 6.5 billion (around US$144 million).

A photo of the CIDS from IMI.Photo taken from IMI's website.

The SBMS, as discussed in the previous MaxDefense blog, will be composed of the IMI Lynx self-propelled rocket/missile launching system, launching pods and ammunition, support systems including radar and fire control equipment, and other auxiliary vehicles. MaxDefense cannot disclose the exact figures for security reasons.

Projectiles that were supposed to be included in the deal are the EXTRA semi-ballistic guided rocket which can be used for moving and stationary naval or ground targets, and the LAR-160 free flight artillery rocket which can be used for land targets.The EXTRA (EXTended Range Artillery) tactical ballistic missile, is smaller but similar in concept to the US-developed ATACMS, has a range of up to 150 kilometers, and can carry a 120 kilogram warhead that can either be high explosive, explosive fragmentation, or cargo for around 500 IMI Bantam submunitions. MaxDefense has not confirmed yet if the offer for the SBMS project includes submunitions which could be a problem as the Philippines' policy bans such weapons to be used. But its other warhead option, the explosive fragmentation, is effective against amphibious assault forces, damaging or destroying aircraft aboard aircraft carriers and flattop amphibious assault ships, or disabling radar, sensors, communications systems, and onboard helicopters aboard warhsips.It appears that both the Accular guided rocket and the Delilah-GL small surface-to-surface cruise missile were not included in the deal due to cost issues, but can easily be integrated if acquired by the Philippine Army later on.Including all support and security units, the entire system is good enough for an entire Army artillery battalion.

The IMI EXTRA tactical ballistic missile is the main projectile to be used against naval threats under the SBMS project. IMI claims that it can hit moving targets with a hit accruacy of up to 10 meters.Photo taken from IMI's website.

On February 2015, President Aquino approved in-principle some of the 28 projects under the RA 10349-covered Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP) worth Php60.143 billion. Although the SBMS was in the list, it was among those not approved in-principle due to comments made by the president. The president wanted the DND to check if the system does not violate the Convention of Cluster Munitions. As discussed by MaxDefense before, the IMI EXTRA guided rocket can actually be armed with submunitions if required.

By 05 March 2015, the DND submitted an approval request to Pres. Aquino for the PA's SBMS, together with 2 other projects for the PN. The endorsement was not signed for approval by the president for still unknown reasons.

But sometime on April 2015, the Philippine Army made a presentation to AFP and DND senior leaders, pointing out the need to move the acquisition of SBMS from 2015 to the next phase of the AFP Modernization due to emerging security threats against the terrorist groups Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayaff (ASG).

The discussion was later made formal by Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA) with a submission to the Gen. Pio Catapang, Chief of Staff of the AFP (CSAFP) sometime on May 2015, recommending the items to be acquired in place of the SBMS. The following were among those listed:

Designated Marksman Rifles were among those requested for acquisition using the budget allocated for the SBMS Project.

Also on May 2015 after the CGPA's letter was received, CSAFP submitted an endorsement letter to Defense Secretary (SecDef) Voltaire Gazmin closely based on CGPA's letter of recommendation. It also indicated that the SBMS will instead be included in the 2nd Horizon phase of the RAFPMP covering the years between 2018 to 2022.

On 10 June 2015, Sec. Gazmin presented the recommendation by the CSAFP to senior leaders of the DND and AFP, and approved it for endorsement to the President after strong lobbying by senior Philippine Army oficials, including the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP who hails from the PA as well.

By 15 June 2015, Sec. Gazmin presented the revised request for approval of several internal security-related infantry equipment projects to Pres. Aquino. But he has some queries, and asked to check the Designated Marksman Rifle requirement again. Only an in-principle approval was provided pending answers to the president's clarifications. As of this writing, MaxDefense sources confirmed that the president has yet to sign the approval of the endorsement.After 3 days, a letter from IMI dated 18 June 2015 was sent directly to Pres. Aquino, following-up on the Notice of Award and Contract and promising the partial delivery of the system before the APEC Summit, but without mentioning of the realignment issues.If MaxDefense is correct, the first time this issue of realignment was brought out to the public was on 01 July 2015 in a report from The Standard (Manila Standard Today) which first mentioned the realignment issues. MaxDefense clarifies that it was not the one that started publicizing this issue as erroneously claimed by a certain forums.THE ISSUES:Status of Similar Projects as those Requested in the Realignment:Even before the Philippine Army decided to shift the acquisitions away from the SBMS, the DND was already in the process of tendering or accepting delivery of several projects that are redundant to those the PA plan to acquire for Php 6.5 billion. Here are the following:1. Force Protection Equipment: Currently the DND has an impending acquisition for 44,080 body armor for both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps. As logic dictates, it is expected that the Philippine Army will receive majority of the deliveries, probably around 38,000 to 39,000 units, as the PMC only has less than 10,000 men in its organization. Award of the project to Achidatex Nazareth Elite-Colorado Shipyard Joint Venture worth around Php1.4 billion was made on 28 July 2014. MaxDefense discussed this in a separate blog entry posted on 31 August 2014. It was expected that they will deliver their first shipment on 26 February 2015. But there were news reports saying that the first batch of 20,000 units has not arrived, even after being given a time extension until 29 June 2015. So far there was no press release from the DND to confirm if the contract with the joint venture was terminated.Prior to this specific project, there was also an impending acquisition for 3,480 units of body armor worth Php120 million, which was awarded to Serbian company UM-Merkata DOO Sabac in 2012. Defense officials previously stated in interviews that the body armor were defective, although an arbitration case is currently ongoing to settle this issue. MaxDefense was informed that the body armor are still stored in an AFP warehouse and has not been issued to the troops.So far there are no impending projects with the DND to acquire helmets for the Philippine Army.

Army troopers during the Zamboanga siege. Out of the 5 soliders in the photo, only 1 has a helmet, and none with body armor. MaxDefense believes that force protection equipment is important, but should be acquired properly.

2. Night Fighting Equipment:There is also an impending tender to acquire 4,464 sets of Night Fighting Equipment worth Php1.116 billion for the Philippine Army. Bidding has yet to commence due to several reasons, but this project is bound to commence the tender process within this year. A separate MaxDefense blog entry dated 13 May 2015 has discussed this project, including the possible bidders as reported by the press.3. Handheld and Manpack Radios:The Philippine Army recently acquired several military-spec radios similar to those requested as part of the realignment. The project was covered by a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract with the US company Harris Corp. That particular acquisition project involved 60 units of 50W HF Radios and 1,446 units of 2-5W Handheld Radios.The project status is currently on the delivery stage, and based on the previous performance of Harris Corp. in terms of meeting its delivery schedules, MaxDefense does not see any problem with them. Should the Philippine Army acquire more radios, it is expected that Harris will definitely get the deal under another FMS deal for system commonality.

Communication equipment from Harris Corp. is standard with the Philippine Army, and there is a need to acquire more. But it should be according to proper procedure.Photo taken from CGPA 100 Days Magazine c/o Timawa forum.

Irregularities on the Realignment:President Aquino clearly stated several times in the past, that as president of the republic, he supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines' shift from internal security operations to territorial defense to defend from an agressive powerful neighbor, and reported that the overall security situation of the country from internal threats are getting lower. MaxDefense believes that the president's claim is true, based on the reduced reports of fighting between the AFP and insurgent groups.

So why suddenly shift an major territorial defense equipment to acquire several items for internal security operations? In fairness to CGPA's reasons, it is not really a terrible decision to improve the equipment used by the troops on the ground to support their operations against terrorist and insurgents that continue to operate in the country. But it was a terrible decision to take the budget of an equally important project to fund his recommended projectsMaxDefense has several issues on this move by the defense establishment:1. Failure to Follow the IRR of the Revised AFP Modernization Act:
As claimed by several reports, the entire process of realigning the project did not follow the standard procedure as prescribed by the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Revised AFP Modernization Act. These includes not allowing the revised project to pass through the Defense Capability Assesment and Planning Systems (DCAPS) and the Defense System of Management (DSOM), both are frameworks included under the Defense Acquisition System (DAS).Recent press release by the DND claims that the revision did pass the DSOM process, considering the "consideration of the dynamics of the country's ever changing security environment". But based on MaxDefense's own analysis, with guidance from sources privy to DAS process, it is questionable on how it passed DSOM and DCAPS when the time between the submission of CGPA of the recommendation until the approval of the revision by the defense secretary only a month to complete?According to sources, normally it takes several months, or even years, to create a plan for a certain defense project, including being assessed by military and defense officials, and even by consultants and specialists, passing through the DAS process, before being brought for endorsement for acquisition. But for this case, it took less than 1 month from the submission of recommendation by the CGPA to approval by the SecDef for not just 1, but 8 separate projects.It is definitely questionable for the Philippine Army and DND to complete such assessment in such short time. If their claim is even possible, then we should have not been experiencing too much delays in planning the defense acquisitions of other projects.2. Claims that the SBMS is "Merely a Proposal"As stipulated in the DND press release dated 07 July 2015, they claim that the project is "merely a proposal" and has not moved beyond being a proposal. But MaxDefense has doubts on this as well.The media reports indicate that the DND, IMI and IMoD took 2 years to negotiation this deal, and it was only considered finalized during the meeting between IMI and DND on 18 December 2014. IMI insists that the deal was finalized during that meeting.This was again eveident on the letter from IMI to Pres. Aquino, wherein IMI commited during the negotiations that once an award is made, IMI would be able to start delivering and activating the system before the APEC Summit in November 2015. This, even if the delivery date is expected to be further after the president's term is over. MaxDefense believes that such a request was agreed upon by IMI because it possibly hold the DND's word that a Notice of Award (NOA) would be given soon.The SBMS project was among the items being requested for approval with Pres. Aquino in its endorsement dated 05 March 2015. In-principle, the project was already approved, pending some queries of Pres. Aquino with regards to the cluster munition issue. The point that it was for approval means that the project was already finalizedBased on these reasons, the SBMS could not be just a mere proposal, but is an actual project ready for approval and award.3. Acquiring Equipment that are Similar to Ongoing Projects:Four of the replacement projects for the SBMS are actually similar and redundant to projects currently being implemented / for implementation for the Philippine Army, namely the Body Armor, Night Fighting System, and the 2 Radio-related projects.Based on their own press releases, the Philippine Army has somewhere around 85,000 members. MaxDefense assumes that they currently have several thousand helmets and body armor already in inventory, probably with more helmets than body armor based on what is seen during operations of the Army covered by the press.The current project awarded to Achidatex Nazareth Elite-Colorado Shipyard JV will cover around 36,000 (based on MaxDefense estimates) as the rest will go to the Philippine Marine Corps. Based on the list submitted by the Army, they are requesting to acquire 39,889 body armors and 81,449 helmets.

As indicated in the press reports, their sources are questioning why all members of the Philippine Army need to have body armor and helmet? Not all PA soldiers are assigned in the field, do they need body armor as well?

Also, why is the requirement for helmet so huge at 81,449 pcs., and together with those already in army inventory, are more than enought to cover the entire organization membership! This is only acceptable if the PA is plannng to replace its helmet inventory. But the Army just bought thousands of helmets a few years ago, while it also received several thousand kevlar helmets as assistance by the US government in the past. Is there really a need to replace all helmets with a new one?

With 2 body armor acquisition projects still pending (from UM Merkata and Achidatex-Colorado JV), why is it not possible to settle these projects first, since these are already approved and awarded projects waiting to be completely delivered.

Should the Army decide to acquire additional body armor, it would best if they can allow Achidatex-Colorado JV to complete their contract first, so that future acquisitions could be determined based on commonality. If Achidatex-Colorado fails to complete their contract, then the 4th lowest calculated bidder, MKU Pvt. Ltd. of India, may have the chance of supplying the body armor (Achidatex-Colorado is the 3rd lowest calculated bidder after Kolon & UM Merkata DOO who were both disqualified). So it might probably take more time to determine who can really supply body armor to the Philippine Army.

The Philippine Army is scheduled to receive almost 40,000 new body armor from its "Force Protection Equipment" project with the Philippine Marine Corps. Would it not be better if the PA complete this project first before another similar project comes in?Photo taken from Achidatex Nazareth Elite's website.

The same is true for the Night Fighting System. MaxDefense believes that it would be best for the DND complete the current NFS project for the Army, whose bidding has not yet even started, before another NFS project comes online.An arguement pointed out by the media reports with regards to the NFS is on the required number needed by the PA. Currently the PA will acquire 4,464 sets, and MaxDefense assumes that there are also several more in PA's inventory. Adding 11,000 NFS for the PA would increase the total expected inventory to almost 17,000 sets, or a ratio of 1 NFS for every 5 soldier. It is up to experts in the field to determine if this ratio is too much or just enough, but arguements presented in media reports say that this is excessive.

The Philippine Army has an ongoing project to acquire 4,400+ sets of Night Fighting Equipment, similar to the systems installed on the rifle above. Why not let it finish first before another similar project is implemented?Photo taken from UDMC's FB page.

As for the other acquisitions, MaxDefense believes that these are also needed equipment as they can be used not only for interal security operations but also for territorial defense. But why is it not possible to acquire these projects by requesting a separate project instead of using a budget of another equally important project?

If the Philippine Army believes that these 8 projects are very urgent and are really important, it would have been better if they requested special funding for them. But still, it has to follow the implementing rules and regulations of the Revised AFP Modernization Act like all other projects.

More Questions Raised than Answers on Shelving the SBMS?The current stand of the PA and DND is that this was "following the ever changing dynamics of the country's security environment". But MaxDefense finds this reason too flimsy. Instead, there are more questions now raised on the PA's decision to shelve the SBMS project. Aside from MaxDefense's own questions, here are among the reasons that were posted by people in the social media:

Following the reasons above, would it have been better if the Philippine Army gave importance to fund the delivery of 114 M113A2 armored personnel carriers granted by the US governement and still in California, USA to protect the troops from ambushes and IED attacks while on the move? Using armored vehicles while on the move instead of soft-skinned vehicles like army trucks and those Kia KM-450 is the best protection the Army can give to its troops, and until now this issue is still unresolved and the Philippine Army already holds the ball to have these armored vehicles delivered. Previously the reason used by the PA is lack of funding to have these vehicles delivered to the Philippines.

Is body armor really the answer to save troops from IED blasts? MaxDefense believes it is not, since IEDs can even criple and destroy tanks and armored vehicles, so what more for soft human tissues covered with a little patch of armor in the head and body? They could have just been realistic by saying that the force protection equipment can protect the troops from enemy fire and reducing the risk of fatal wounds, rather than using IEDs as a reason.

Is the security environment of the country changing? MaxDefense believes that it is changing, but was expecting it to be for the better, especially on internal security. According to earlier remarks made by Pres. Aquino himself, the AFP is shifting from being focused on internal security, to defending the country from external and natural (environmental) threats. So now, the PA and DND's plan is totally opposite of what the president claims.

The Philippine Army has been experiencing IED attacks for decades, ever since the NPA and Moro rebels and terrorist groups started operating in the country. The only difference now is the technology used to detonate the IED, but the concept is still the same. So what's the difference now and before that suddenly needed the acquistion of all these protective equipment?

The CGPA used the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as among the reasons for the SBMS realignment. Was he giving the idea that the government is expcting the BBL to fail, and is expecting that Mindanao would go back to chaos once this agreement be scrapped? This is in total conflict with President Aquino's announcement of trust with the MILF and the so-called Bangsamoro people, who already declared that war is not an option even if BBL fails to take-off.

Why is the SBMS project assigned with the Philippine Army in the first place, when it could have been better that the Philippine Navy took charge of this project as it was designed to defend the country against seaborne threats. This is a very clear scope of the Philippine Navy.

Is the Philippine Army ready to shift from being an interal security branch of service into a force that could defend the country from external threats? Or being a country with no land borders with other countries has rendered the Philippine Army a force in waiting for a threat to come only after the Philippine Navy and Air Force are decimated in combat?

CGPA Lt. Gen. Iriberri is from the Army. VCSAFP Lt. Gen. Bonafos is from the Army. CSAFP Gen. Catapang is from the Army. DefSec Gazmin was from the Army. All four agreed and approved of the realignment. Is there no love in the Army for fighting an enemy that can't be seen from the shore?

Aside from these questions, there are many more that you can see in the social media but are too delicate to discuss because of its negative view of the Philippine Army, the AFP, and the DND itself. MaxDefense decides not to raise them here for obvious reasons.

An Israeli Magach 7C main battle tank, showed here with a breached hull made by an exploding IED. So is it really possible for body armor and helment to protect the troops from IED explosions?

A Kia KM-450 utility vehicle ambushed by rebel groups, unarmored and unprotected from enemy fire, resulting to the death of Army soldiers. Is it not better if the Philippine Army acquire more armored vehicles, specifically MRAP or MRAP-like vehicles to protect its troops from IED or ambushes?

The Philippine Army is scheduled to receive 114 M113A2 armored personnel carriers from the US, but it has to shoulder the delivery to the Philippines. Isn't it better if the Philippine Army solve the issue of funding to bring in these assets first, which were designed to protect troops during movement and in combat?Photo taken from the Mechanized Division Philippine Army website.

Other Possible Reasons for the Realignment:Aside from the reason raised by the military and defense leaders as pointed out on the DND's press release, it is not farfetch that people can think of other reasons. MaxDefense thinks that these are possible as well.

Is it possible that CGPA is getting back against the Philippines representative of IMI, Stone of David Corp., whose sister company, Joavi Philippines Corp. was responsible for filing a graft case against Lt. Gen. Iriberri with the ombudsman with regards to his shelving of 3 ammunition projects supplied by the said company?

Is the defense establishment unsatisfied with acquiring the IMI's CIDS system for the SBMS project, so they prefer to move it to the next phase and let the next leaders decide on it?

Did the defense officials found out something wrong with IMI's product, or with IMI itself, the led them to decide to more away from the deal without informing the public?

Joavi Philippines Corp. has filed a graft case against CGPA, Lt. Gen. Iriberri, in relation to shelving 3 ammunition projects supplied by the said company. The company is the sister company of Stone of David Corp., the Philippine representative of Israel Military Industries, who was chosen to supply the SBMS Project.Photo taken from Joavi Philippines Corp. website.

CONCLUSION:MaxDefense believes that overturning the decision to acquire the Shore Based Missile System without a comparable replacement to offer is a blow to the Philippines' bid to defend itself from external threats. Not 100% effective as it seems, the SBMS is currently the only weapons system that is moving, and that has a direct threat to enemy forces operating within the country's naval domain. Not only is the SBMS a physical weapon, but it is also a sign that the Philippines is serious in defending its claims and territorial intergrity against foreign aggression, and that is serious in shifting its priorities to territorial defense. It also gives confidence to Filipino troops in the Kalayaan Group of Islands, giving them a sense of relief that there is something the military can use in face of an seaborne invasion on the islands.MaxDefense also believes that replacing the project with infantry related weapons is not totally wrong, but should have been done properly, following the parameters of the Defense Acquisition System brought upon by the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Revised AFP Modernization Act. This was made to safeguard the defense acquisition process from irregularities, and should be implemented in accordance to the law.It would have been best as well, that if the Army really needs these equipment, they should have instead requested for emergency funding instead of taking the budget out of an equally important project. If they are confident that their reason is strong enough, MaxDefense believes that the government can do some adjustments to fund the infantry equipment.MaxDefense also believes that it would be better if the AFP and DND review again who should be responsible in handling the SBMS assets. Being a system that was designed to engage hostile forces from the sea, MaxDefense believes that it would be best to let the Philippine Navy, specifically the Philippine Marine Corps, have the SBMS project instead of the Philippine Army. The PMC and PN are both tasked to complement each other and has common interests in defending against seaborne threats. The PMC, being a land force as well, can make use of the artillery capability of the Lynx MLRS using the LAR-160 rockets aside from firing on enemy ships.This sudden move by the Philippine Army and Department of National Defense has just turned into a mess that would probably become a magnet for investigation, be used by the groups and people who have their own vested interests against the current leadership and administration of Pres. Aquino. Even worse, the integrity and schedule of the entire AFP Modernization effort might be affected because of this. And with that inter-service rivalry still strong in the AFP, MaxDefense expects the men of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force to curse their Army counterparts if that happens.Who's happy in the end with all this crap? None other than China, who sees the disunity in the defense establishment of the country as music to their ears, and a weakness that they can take advantage of.

Compared to the Philippine Army, the Philippine Marine Corps has a greater stake in defending against naval threats. The Marines should be the one having the SBMS instead of the Philippine Army.Photo taken from GMA News website.

# # # # # # # # # # UPDATES:# # # # # # # # # # August 13, 2015:As per DND's letter to both the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and Israel Military Industries (IMI), they have finally confirmed that the Shore-Based Missile System (SBMS) acquisition that was originally confirmed to Israel Military Industries (IMI) has been rescheduled to the Horizon 2 phase (covering 2018-2022) of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. In other words, the SBMS for Horizon 1 has indeed been cancelled.

I totally agree with you Max, given the fact that they have to re-align the Php6B+ budget for the SBMS project, why don't CG-PA fund the Shipments of the 100+ M113 in the US to bring it here in PH, they can even get the 400+ RPG-7 that they are planning to purchase plus the 12 Howitzers from Israel. I JUST DON'T GET IT!!

This events really pissed me off. How come it become just a mere proposal when it's been more than 2 years in the making. As the election is coming, it could be they don't want a project that is GTG as no kickbacks.Our leader are just a puppet of their personal thinking how to get BILLIONS, while other asian leaders show compassion and patriotic for the benefit of their country.

Thank you, sir Max. Nobody could have discussed this any better. I think its time for the lawmakers to step up and question the realignment and hopefully not allow this request. I insist that Gen. Irriberri is a coward and doesnt have the balls to ask and face the scrutiny of congress in defense for a separate budget for his redundant projects. I hope he doesnt become the COS-AFP because if that happens, then we're fucked,

Elbit is represented by a different company in the Philippines, not by Joavi Philippines. The photo was taken some years ago for use in a previous blog, and was only re-used for this discussion. There could have been changes in the tie-ups these past few years. Thanks for pointing out.

FYI, Elbit used to be represented by JOAVI until the beginning of the Aquino administration. They must have not updated their website or had that picture in their file. JOAVI handled a handful of reputable defense industries, particularly from Israel, and had been so present at the DND and AFP offices conducting marketing and technical presentation and demo of various defense capabilities (including a comprehensive C4ISR joint-working study for the AFP--for free) during the latter part of the GMA administration and early part of the Aquino administration.

You are totally right Mr. Max. I hope Sec. Voltaire and Catapang read your blog. I was very disappointed when I learned that the SBMS project has been postponed, why they postpone on this time that we are been harassing and bullying by China. It's a very bad timing. We need to build our military defense against external treats. I agree , the Philippine Navy or Philippine Marines should operate the SBMS because they have more knowledge and expertise in our coastlines. We need the SBMS right now, why do we need to wait year 2018 - 2024. Probably that time we are now under China's Control. God Bless Philippines.

Just from the grapevine, and without naming names, a group of people supposedly representing the interest of very high DND officials went around and talked to representatives of defense producers and executives of defense companies (upon their Philippine visit) who are involved or has a stake in AFP modernization projects and demanded them to pay an upfront amount (15 million or so) and a success fee percentage (10% to 14%) on the total project amount contracted. Otherwise, if cooperation is not willed to their favor, they will junk the suppliers' projects. From the rat-line, a portion of the proceeds from the demanded fees will go to DND officials and to LP's election fund-raising. What is interesting here is that one of the meetings containing this information was video-recorded, the kitten claimed. Who knows, we might see this circulating here one of these days.

With the expose of Rodora Alvarez on the kickbacks demanded by DND officials (7% to SND: http://www.manilatimes.net/rice-confirms-largesse-for-dnd/199031/) on the Utility Helicopter project contracted to RICE, it may just be so that the very reason why some big projects-despite already committed via G2G to an allied state-still gets shelved and may no longer see the day of light in this administration and gets expeditiously and anomalously realigned in favor of an acquisition project for items that are currently existing in the ARMY inventory in considerably-effective amounts. And now, Lt. Gen. Iriberri, the author of the SBMS realignment and who is also facing graft charges before the Ombudsman for shelving (he seemed fond of shelving contracts) 3 ammunition contracts, which deliveries were long-delayed due to non-issuance of the required Export Documents from the Army (End User Certificate, Notice to Proceed, etc.), is to succeed Gen. Catapang tomorrow as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This is now the Chief of Staff of the AFP who would rather shelve critically needed external and territorial defense capability and artillery supplies of the field operators rather than do everything to ensure that his men are efficiently and promptly supported with assets and supplies all the time-which are critical to their operations and preservation of lives. While in screaming-contrast, true leaders , real gentlemen and officers they are, are so decisively-courageous to sometimes ditch the bureaucratic procurement process and are so to be charged criminally (even go to jail) if it means that their decision will cause the immediate supply and delivery of items needed by their men in the field. This is the attitude and type of leader we need in the AFP. The one who is after the welfare of his soldiers and not of himself nor Stars on his shoulders. We need projects realized and not shelved. Inaction is as bad as corruption as the men and women fighting for this country are depending on this assets and supplies in fighting the good fight. God bless the AFP troops! Mabuhay!

A very sad news for the territorial defense of our country..those items in the replacement list will be nothing and useless if and once our enemy land on our shores..damages and casualties will be more heavy. We need those SBMS to hit our enemy while they are still far away from our land.

And they are the so called "expert" in this field and yet they want to derail our shift from internal to external threats. Looks like they want our afp be stuck in this internal threats while our neighbors beefed up their arms for foreign threats. I mean for the last years we have been buying arms and armors for internal threats but until now we still do it, very frustrating! I'm not saying we should forgot our internal threats but at least we should give some attention to our external defense.

I don't know how these peoples' mentality works. They went and finished their studies in a world class military school, which only a handful of people can enroll cause of their high standard of education but still you don't know how their minds work.

Definitely a circus in a middle of a public market located in a squatters village.

Wow. This is very long and detailed blog. I was salivating reading this like eating halo-halo. Thank you very much, Sir Max, for your continued vigilance on the AFP Modernization. We, your readers, fully backed you up on your advocacy for a modern and credible armed forces.

Seems the military establishment is willing to sacrifice the lives our soldiers and compatriots on the islands given them no defensive umbrella. Having an SBMS does not mean we are asking for war, but rather it will be a deterrent against any attack, be it on the islands or mainland. Even if we loose the islands, the aggressor will get a bloody nose out of it.

One time I had a conversation with a rear admiral, I brought up the subject of why the Navy kept buying old ships. His answer, we are well trained to maintain them and if one breaks down at sea, the rescuer can provide the spare parts from their own ship. It's disheartening, I know. That's the third-world mentality of our military leaders.

These equipment that the SBMS budget would be realigned are already acquired thru FMS or proper bidding and some are currently in the bidding stage. It seems that there really is an intention to have a confusion in terms of the assets that are to be realigned to the SBMS budget. There would be a hard time on auditing w/c asset was part of the previous bidding or is from the realigned budget. This is prone to corruption on w/c some people reading your blog truly suspects. As there would also be a PABAON to the outgoing CoS.

In my opinion, there should be a reset on existing biddings (Force protection equipments, night fighting equipments) and have a decision on what would be the real number does the army truly needs. On other pending acquisitions (frigate, close air support, lrpa, asw helicopter) was there also a plan or was it already aligned/re-prioritize to another priority.

As a final note, when will our mentality be change thinking US would truly support us if we would be invaded. China already did invaded us. Does the VFA prevent it? They are giving us stripped down equipment, for God's sake. As they say in every letter the state department so that it "will not alter the basic military balance in the region." They are putting our government in a position that the AFP cannot manage sophisticated weapons and should be stuck to a Vietnam war scenario. Is DND have any qualms that the military cannot handle external threats that they are stuck AGAIN to internal threats? Did they already raise the WHITE FLAG? Or is the military have contracted the CANCER of CORRUPTION that the senate and congress have that there's no way to cure it.

Thank You as always for the insight. I know everyone's mood is in anger with the AFP chief. Being that General Ireberri, is the new COS. The AFP has always been viewed with musch disdain by our country men ever since the end of Martial Law we always look at the higher ups as crooks. I completely agree with you that the SBMS system should be one of the prime projects and I agree that it's control should be moved to the Naval and/or the Air Force Command.

Today, I want to give a different approach regarding the AFP Chief who in his decison to safe guard the troops is commendable in its own way. First let us give the General a chance, He maybe there appointed politically or logically but he is still the chief so let us be supportive. Second, his decision to scrap maybe is in search of something more effective, hopefully. Third, He is looking at the immediate problem not long term as I see it. He is looking a the Election Period and the Post-BBL approval/scrapping scenario. Let's face it Elections in this country has always been a livewire everybody questions results and most politicians have their own trigger happy small army who shakes up the public. Mindanao i beleive is in yellow to orange status on the peace situation with the BBL given a cold shoulder in by Luzon and Visayas. Communist Insurgency might also one of his major target for it is the one longest problem this country have.

The Greatest problem our country have is not foreign agression but rather our own culture of selfishness and cultural divide. What I beleve we need the most right now is a national self-searching. The AFP is an infant compared to the Powers and a lacklustre kid compared to our neighbors. The AFP is still experimenting and so is the Government and seeing that the current leader who started a phase of modernizing is at its home stretch let us hope who comes in next hopefully has a self realizing goal to create a secure country internally and externally.

Mr. Anonymous, AFP definitely is not an infant, it is more like an adult with a debilitating parkinsons disease...I totally disagree with your opinion regarding the new AFP chief, well, thats just me though....cheers

If cost is really an issue and the Philippines can't afford anything coming from America and Europe. I would say Israel or Russia. The K-300P Bastion-P is one system the Philippines can get for Mobile Coastal Defense system. The other is the Gabriel Anti Ship Missiles that can be mounted on the Hamilton class Cutters. Exocet is another that can be mounted on Surface, Aircraft and Naval ships. Harpoon is ok, but they are getting old and long in tooth. The other option is the Naval Strike Missile or the RBS-15.

Honestly..anyone here thinks very highly of the coming "modernization" now that Ireberri is the AFP's big-wig?

I'm still assuming we'd get assets, I'm just wary we'll never get the right assets. Some of you here would say it's not his call - but really, the SBMS project is as big as they come and he (together with Gazmin and Catapang) got it derailed.

I expect more head-scratching moves from now on. Pity because we need to maximize whatever budget we have, but that's not going to happen now. Better keep our standards low.

Like I have been saying, I have high hopes for the AFP, but my hopes are dashed away with the promotion of Ireberri. I don't know the man, but being a pillar on the re-alignment I know for sure this man is not for the good of PH.

All these crap about AFP, DND & the country in general makes me think how great Ferdinand Marcos Sr. really was...in fact I am willing now to give up this damn democracy (that we have) just to have a leader like him...

we can have a leader like him or even better leader by endorsing Bong Bong Marcos to run for president which he plans to do but still not sure. he is weighing the public response. he is very intelligent and nationalistic just like his late father. I thing BBM will bring the country to prosperity and modernized capable AFP

What is the punishment for treachery?, are these leaders, Generals going to sell the Philippines to China by further weakening our ability to fight. Next realignment: All modernization budget will be realign to the Beautification of Military GHQ, complete with Spa and Salon, mini resort, pools.. for the benefits of Generals and Officers of the AFP. These Beautified desk officers will not fight unless they are complete with Beautiful Armor which can withstand missiles and nuke attacks....

The decision to re aligned the fund is totally demoralization not only to afp but also for us (citizen). we admitted na di natin kayang labanan ang china but kapag nalaman nila na meron tayong SBMS siguro naman mag dadalawang isip silang pumasok not only china but other nearby nations/country. Sir Max can this blog be forward to our President so he himself know our sentiments or the public sentiments, baka kasi sa dami ng iniisip nya nalilito na at nauuto na cya ng mga gang nya...

After seeing one project getting delayed after another. I had lost my faith on who will defend my country should an inevitable shooting war comes. I sure hope that when it comes may the leaders of the afp and dnd know that the blood of our common heroic solder who died will always be in their hands for this catastrophic failure. May curse them to their children and their children's children.

The same infantry items that the politically appointed COS Iriberri realigned the SBMS for have already been awarded (almost 48 thousands armored vests and 5,000 Night Fighting Systems) and are already to be supplied and delivered. Including the armored vests on hand in the the Army inventory, these number of vests currently in the pipeline shall be more than enough to cover the entire Army warriors in the field. If Iriberri is without a wicked agenda and means what he says about the priority of these items for his troops in the field, then why does he have to look for items to realign, such as the SBMS WPS Defense, when these items are already being acquired by the DND (http://maxdefense.blogspot.com/2014/08/israeli-firm-confirmed-winner-for-force.html)?

If he was sincere about his reasons, then Iriberri should expedite and do everything in his authority and power, less the crap, to have already awarded and for bidding items immediately processed and delivered to his men. As COS he can muster influence and power by all means, above and beyond the political and bureaucratic process, to ensure our patriots in harms way are somewhat protected with a body armor and helmet- at least from rifle shots and shrapnel. But, definitely not from IED threat, as Iriberri cited as his justification for scrapping the SBMS; to note also, the items he wishes to buy serves no purpose to protect against IED. Election and the BBL are just around the corner. Acquiring Iriberri’s wishlist items would entail at least a year if it is to be procured via public bidding.

If all the procurements, including the new list of Iriberri, are realized, it means that those working in the offices will also be issued a helmet and body armor…and thousands more as surplus inventory. DO WE REALLY NEED TO SPEND BILLIONS ON CREATING EXCESS DEFENSE ITEMS NOW, AND USE THE FUNDS ALREADY ALLOCATED FOR A MINIMUM CREDIBLE EXTERNAL DEFENSE RESPONSIVE TO OUR WPS STAND?

The same infantry items that the politically appointed COS Iriberri realigned the SBMS for have already been awarded (almost 48 thousands armored vests and 5,000 Night Fighting Systems) and are already to be supplied and delivered. Including the armored vests on hand in the the Army inventory, these number of vests currently in the pipeline shall be more than enough to cover the entire Army warriors in the field. If Iriberri is without a wicked agenda and means what he says about the priority of these items for his troops in the field, then why does he have to look for items to realign, such as the SBMS WPS Defense, when these items are already being acquired by the DND (http://maxdefense.blogspot.com/2014/08/israeli-firm-confirmed-winner-for-force.html)?

If he was sincere about his reasons, then Iriberri should expedite and do everything in his authority and power, less the crap, to have already awarded and for bidding items immediately processed and delivered to his men. As COS he can muster influence and power by all means, above and beyond the political and bureaucratic process, to ensure our patriots in harms way are somewhat protected with a body armor and helmet- at least from rifle shots and shrapnel. But, definitely not from IED threat, as Iriberri cited as his justification for scrapping the SBMS; to note also, the items he wishes to buy serves no purpose to protect against IED. Election and the BBL are just around the corner. Acquiring Iriberri’s wishlist items would entail at least a year if it is to be procured via public bidding.

If all the procurements, including the new list of Iriberri, are realized, it means that those working in the offices will also be issued a helmet and body armor…and thousands more as surplus inventory. DO WE REALLY NEED TO SPEND BILLIONS ON CREATING EXCESS DEFENSE ITEMS NOW, AND USE THE FUNDS ALREADY ALLOCATED FOR A MINIMUM CREDIBLE EXTERNAL DEFENSE RESPONSIVE TO OUR WPS STAND?

Teddy Boy Locsin said it best in his Teditorial segment on ABS-CBN News Channel. Watch and enjoy every articulation he uttered on Iriberri's SBMS realignment. From MANLY to GAY apparel (no offense to the LGBT community) and dildos. Please watch and share.

the problem is we have many stupid leaders in both the civilian and military. lack of common sense. Like they just scrapped the Horizon plan and now with the new AFP chief he wants a realignment and want a new plan. lol. so this means the AFP will be back to square one, and will never be attain its objectives and vision for its future. Worst why in the hell they keep the term of COS short term only. This new chief will only have what about 9 months left in his service then he retires. Looks like the COS is just a status symbol. this is very stupid. normally this should be for at least 2- 4 years term.

I really think that this is all the handiwork of China. With our current situation of rampant corruption (within the military and among the public officials) and disunity (among the people and officials), China only needs to bribe someone or some groups or support a friendly candidate in order for the Philippines to implode by itself. They do not need to attack the Philippines because it is already easy and cheap to buy us out.

Somebody was clearly bought here. Highly ranked military and public officials are acting as agents for China. Treason is being committed right before our eyes.

It is not a wonder why our military has degraded to being the weakest in this part of the world. They have been agents of corruption and abuse since the Marcos years. I have not heard of any military official who was sentenced for human rights abuses. No coup plotter has ever served his sentence fully. The Gen. Garcia Syndicate multi-billion peso corruption case is yet to be decided and his cohorts identified. Because of these gross abuses, people are really having a hard time trusting them. Instead, it has apparently become even more patriotic to support leftist political movements (especially among youths) who portrays themselves as vanguards of military corruption.

Can we therefore blame other sectors if they question the military procurement process or if they demand more transparency and accountability? These demands result to further delays. These are necessary evils because time and time again, the military hierarchy has proven itself to be untrustworthy. We have yet to see real structural, systemic and sustainable change from them. So far, what we hear are but lip service, saying assurances of no kickbacks.

I say, before fighting China in the shores of Pag-asa, lets fight them and their agents in the battle against corruption in our shores. This is where the real battle with China begins. This is where China has been constantly attacking us without our knowledge (since the Arroyo administration).

Hi sir max I've been researching on what weapons and vehicles should our military should procure and upgrade. So here's what i think that they ahould buy.

For Philippine forces.1. Jas39 grippen ng atleast 12 of it. Reasons its cheap maintainance cost and combat proven with stol capbility and can cope up with modern fighters.2. 12 more fa50 but upgraded with more powerful engine more trust means more power to weight ratio. Reinforced wings to carry more weapons load and external fuel and bvr capability.3. We should upgrade the remaining ov10 bronco to ov10x. More powerful engine, Hud and hotas reinforced wings to carry more weapons load.4. We should sell our sf260 and buy a29 super tucano attleast 22 or more its cheap, combat proven rugged and good for CAS.5. Spyder anti air system is a must it's cheap and has a capability of using abm to protect our country from ballistic missiles.6. Upgrade some of our m113 to "Macbeth of israel" Or m163 vads with stinger missiles.7. Portable missiles for our foot soldiers like fim 92 stinger.8. A400m for our new heavy lift airplane. It can carry more weapons, soldiers and vehicles instead of c130 since its cheap and can go 1 trip and more load than c130.9. Attack helicopter mangusta advance and cheaper than ah60 or cobra zulu version.10. Uh 1h or blackhawk.

For the Army.1. M60 tank a lot of parts, combat proven still being use by other countries and can be upgraded to sabra mk2 by israel.2. Centuaro 120m or 105mm anti tank or fire support by italy. Cheap,reliable and combat proven3.Upgraded m113s to standard like the eifv of the egyptians. Stronger engine and wider and longer body ied protection and more armore 6 road wheels can carry more soldiers and can use bushmaster 25mm.4. Patria ifv cheap combat.proven and relaible. Better protection and can carry more soldier and fully amphibious. 5.Rg 33 mraps combat proven and reliable and cheap for heavy mrap.6. Python medium mrap.7. Rpg 7 usa and smaws for army and marines.8. Bastion special operations vehicle. Fast and reliable. Each country has this kind of vehicle like the jackal of the british army.9. Ceasar 155m howtizer. Cheap reliable combat proven and c130 capable.10. Evo 105 of korea. It's time to make our 105 howtizers to become more agile and modern. And cheap.11. Upgrade some m113 to put 120mm mortar to boost our artillery regiment. Let me know what you think sir max.

a group of people or vigilante that can assassinate the corrupt government and military officials. LOL

then.. all max defense followers here can fulfill the dreams that they wanted to our nation.

BECAUSE as long as the corrupt government and military officials are still in their position there will be NO government and military will in our country regarding our military modernization project. MAHINA PA SA PAGONG ANG KILOS NG ATING GOBYERNO PARA SA MGA PANGARAP NATIN MAGING MODERNO SA KAGAMITAN NG MILITARY,AIR FORCE AND NAVY..INCLUDING COASTGUARD.

1. SUBMARINE....still a dream2. MISSILE SYSTEM......still a dream/ on cancellation rumors as for now3. JAS-39 GRIPPEN........still a dream we didn't master yet the maneuver of our FA-50..still a lot of practice we needed.4. HEAVY ATTACK HELICOPTER....still a dream5. FRIGATE.........still a dream...basis that SUBMARINE is a big joke kind of suggestion.

AS OF NOW I SEE OUR COUNTRY PHILIPPINES AS THE BIGGEST DUMB BEGGING COUNTRY IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

At this point, I just want PH to clean-up it's AFP and DND, IMHO, there really won't be any significant modernization if PH employs dubious characters at the helm.

I also think when we get the weeds out (Ireberri, Gazmin, and a few more others), the modernization will be a lot faster and would be better. Makakahabol pa din tayo basta tangallin lang ang mga dapat tanggalin.

And even if ma-delay na ng todo ang modernization, it will still serve PH well, knowing we rid ourselves of the enemies within the ranks.

Sir max. You are right on you're opinion.. Now China is laffing at us.. We spread the word to the whole world that we will defend every inch of west Philippines sea. But we don't have the will to buy a equipment to show that we are sirrius...

Permission to post Sir Max and seeking your support to promote our FB page dedicated to articles, topics, opinions, and discussions on the DND-AFP's realignment of the Shore-Based Missile System for the West Philippine Sea. More power to you! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas; mabuhay ang Filipino; at mabuhay ang bayaning sundalong Filipino!

Another reason why the SBMS was realigned/re-prioritize is because the needed equipment that they want is needed to secure the incoming 2016 election. The COS have given the assurance that the whole AFP to be used (like whores) by politicians for their own interest (not peoples interest). Sorry for the said word but that is the real truth. The COS is being chosen not because of its attributes but due to lobbying by the politicians.In terms of national security, the best institution that is giving the best intelligence to the China is our own media. THANKS TO FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.

how about reactivating the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant build by former late Pres Ferdinand Marcos. with this reopening means being able to produce nuclear weapons to counter China. just my 5 centavos.

MANILA—A push by the Philippines to overhaul its obsolete military has ground to a halt just as the U.S. ally is striving to deter China in the disputed waters between them.A string of programs collectively valued at $1 billion stalled early last year, according to military officials and executives involved in Philippine defense deals. The delay underscores how the government’s efforts to transform the country’s derelict navy and air force have become mired in red tape, funding problems and corruption allegations. The delays leave long-held plans to build a “minimum credible deterrent”—comprising small but capable air and naval fleets—at least a decade from completion, said Jose Antonio Custodio, a Manila-based defense consultant. Even with a basic deterrent in place today, Manila would likely still lack the means to check Beijing’s assertiveness.

Securing secondhand equipment from allies like Japan and the U.S. may now be the Philippines’s only chance of quickly upgrading its forces, sources familiar with the country’s procurement process said, with presidential elections due in May next year making it unlikely that any big contracts will be signed before then. President Benigno Aquino III has promised to rejuvenate the military, degraded by decades of underinvestment. A pledge to spend $1.7 billion on new equipment initially bore fruit, as the administration signed a flurry of defense contracts valued at $834 million in late 2013 and early 2014, including deals for 12 Korean fighter jets, three Airbus transport planes, and a new fleet of combat helicopters from Canada and the U.K. However, Mr. Coloma also confirmed that Mr. Aquino has still not signed a law earmarking a further $2 billion for defense procurement that was passed by congress in February 2013. Mr. Coloma didn’t explain the delay

there you go they are back to square one. Not only this may something to do with the coming elections but because the tone of the US against china and the increasing US military presence in the country probably made the usual mindset of why spend when Uncle Sugar back here to save the country. In this case the AFP is only modernized a fraction of it and will stay a pathetic force in the region that no one will respect.

what kind of modernization is when they buy many second hand ships and choppers. as for aircrafts this is dangerous. its better if its free but to spend millions for refurbishing it after it was bought for millions also is just dumb. The other second hand items like APCs and tanks are fine but for aircrafts and ships it has to be brand new. they should bring back the SRDP created by late Ferdinand Marcos.

I just read the news in yahoo and it says the gov,t has enough money and surplus but is underspending. Why is the question. why underspend when there are infrastructures that needs to be built all over the archipelago including defense and basic services. something is wrong, Pnoy may needs some good advice in economics and military affairs, He also should disapprove the realignment plans of Gen Iriberri. How did he even chose him to be the COS? another politics as usual.

One plus one equals two. Simple. You file criminal charges against me for delaying your supply contracts I will fight back by realigning eherm cancelling your SBMS. I am all powerful, I am the chief and my tribemates are all defense senior leaders.

Unfortunately for this country national security can take a back seat to personal vendetta.

Personally I think high treason has been committed against Juan by these people.

What we need is a Defense Materiel Acquisition Organization that is driven solely by a national security strategy crafted by specialists that looks far into the future against threats to the RP. Heck our lives and futures depend on it.

The Lynx MLRS using Delilah-GL missiles has limited range of only 150 km w/c cannot cover our EEZ. The Russian 9K720 Iskander-M missile system is a better option that will scare China if we get lucky to buy this from Russia. It has a range of 500 km (250-310 miles), a speed of 2100 m/s cruising (hypersonic) and Hit Accuracy of 5–7 m.

1. The news that the PhP6.5B SBMS was moved to second horizon because our Command & Control, Communication, Computer and Information System is not yet robustly in place.

2. Remember we are an archipelagic Island with hundreds of vessels and aircrafts are passing our very own sea lanes that having a missile systems we need that our reliable and apable defense systems is in place from personnel to materiel to ensure that no awkward incident will happen.

3. Is the PhP6.5B for SBMS is enough to defend our strategic islands, I think this is not enough as an umbrella to shield our Islands from our foe threats. To have a missile defense systems shield you need billion of dollars from missile systems to C4I systems for joint operational support. Because war in (Defense or Offense) is a task force joint operational concept.

4. Therefore, is necessary to request additional funding for our missile systems form shorebase to offshore capability to include a reliable and capable C4I, Electronic Warfare Systems and Cybersecurity systems. If you are reading what is happening in Ukraine war. The Ukraine forces are blind because they are being defeat by the very reliable and capable Electronic Warfare Systems of their foe.

5. So, I suggest train first our personnel, and with reliable sustainment support because war you mean logostics materiel from internal to external resources support.

A former naval officer of the Philippine Navy, initially a reservist before becoming an active officer, opted to retire early and migrate to another country. Aside from being in the service, he has been following Philippine and regional defence issues, as well as military technology and industrial movements, and developments in regional military upgrades since the mid 1990s. He has been involved in other defence sites & minor publications for the past several years, and a regular at regional defence exhibitions & symposiums. Currently works as a systems consultant for a foreign military organisation. As a defence writer, he has no political affiliation, and would not hesitate to criticise any political leader, organisation, or political part when issues on defence and security of the Philippines are believed to be in peril.